BC students (PC years 35 and 36) at RaceRocks, taken by Mark Kelsey. Spring 2010.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Weekend at Home

So living in BC and attending Pearson College is in some ways a blessing, others a curse. One blessing I am so grateful to have is the ability to come home after a few months. I was having a bit of a frustrating time (I think it's the immense grey rainy cloud that has literally hung over my head for weeks) and really in need of a break. So I grabbed my wonderful friend Makyla from Ontario and the two of us set off on the trek back to Vancouver for a couple days. The 5 hour bus/ferry journey was well worth it because we spent some rejuvenating hours relishing all the space we had in my basement.

It was so lovely to see my family again.

We went downtown, but it was a really ugly day so we had to consult our two most reliable therapists to get rid of 'the grumpies' : chocolate and shopping! What else do you need? We also did some face masks, trashy tv, and a yoga class in the morning. I'm so glad I have the opportunity to visit home now and then, and bring friends with me.

I love you Mom and Dad.
Thanks for coming with me, dear Makyla.

Less than a month away from Winter Break. Time has slipped away unnoticed.

Hugs,
E

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The Vow of Silence


...




Could you live for 24 hours without uttering a single word? From 6pm today until 6pm tomorrow some Pearson students (including myself) have gone silent. We've been walking around campus with duct tape over our mouths as we stand in solidarity with those (especially children) who do not have a voice. It has been an interesting endeavor already. A minority of other students have been somewhat "superior" towards me, saying things they wouldn't if I was able to talk back. It is fascinating, this power imbalance. It's also a good lesson in listening for me, it's amazing how much more you pick up when you aren't trying to blurt out every thought that comes into your mind.

Tonight is the Leonid Meteor Shower and despite the cold and rain I think some Pearsonites are sleeping over at the Observatory. The Observatory is on the top of a large hill and is an absolutely stunning place to view the night sky. I only hope it isn't too cloudy and that we can see some meteors. I've never seen one before and it sounds so cool.

Asia-pac dance rehearsals have been numerous and I'm so excited for my parents to come visit on Asia-Pac regional day.

I've got two tests tomorrow so I better continue with my studying. Did I mention that we only have 4 hours of classes a day? The rest is devoted to non-academic learning which I believe is just as or even more, important. Some days we only have classes in the morning and we have a speaker or a village meeting in the afternoon. I really really really love the system.

In general I'm just so glad I'm here. I feel like I belong. I feel like I don't have to struggle against any teachers or systems or peers that don't want to actively make the world a better place. I cannot describe how refreshing it is. You must come and visit!

Peace and love,
Emmy

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Newsflash!

Life at Pearson has been action-packed since we arrived home from Project Week. And that is what it was like - arriving home. I think there was a significant shift after PW where a lot of us felt more comfortable and out of the "newbie" stage. If you had walked into the caf for dinner on the day we returned, you would have been so inspired. Simulaneously everyone was hugging and kissing and reuniting with their friends. It was joy everywhere and love that filled you to the brim.

Besides getting back into the swing of classes, life for 2nd years has been a little bit stressful lately. A lot of big assignments are due and university deadlines loom above their heads. I'm thinking of organizing a relaxation workshop where I can incorporate some of my yoga experience. "Relax" isn't really a buzzword here. Life is always on the go and many of the students operate on very little sleep. A new rule was implemented this year called the 10:30 rule, where students are not allowed to be in anyone else's room after 10:30pm. Although some people say that we're receiving more sleep now, some students had some initial resistance to the rule. I find it works fine and I try to get to bed at 11pm at the latest (mind you, this doesn't always work out how I want it).

It's funny how the basic needs are sometimes the hardest to fulfil here.

I have been living in the Max Bell Building, and namely on the stage. As our magnificent stage manager, Salome, says as she points at the wood stage, "This is your home now." I am a theatre student and I love it. Last night we performed our first year production called, "Agents Provocateurs." What an unbelievable experience it was - being part of a Pearson production. We all grew so close and spent many many many hours rehearsing. In the performance I particularly enjoyed being Princess Chitra, an Indian warrior princess.

In other news, Asia-Pacific Regional Day is coming up, so dance rehearsals have started. We have a Christmas concert or two for choir, winter break is a month away, and it's gotten quite wet and cold. I am enjoying life here more than ever and I have grown close to many of my peers here. This place has become my home, and these people part of my family. Although, I do miss my family and Vancouver, and I think I'll go back and visit soon. I feel blessed to live so nearby.

Please leave a comment if you can:) or write me some snail mail. I long to hear from you!

Smiles,
Emmy

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Project Week Photos


















































One more important note:


During Project Week my parents in Vancouver agreed to host 7 Pearsonites as they did their volunteer work on the Downtown Eastside. THANK YOU SO MUCH! I know that my friends were deeply grateful and that my family was delighted to have them. Maybe we'll host some more students in the future....



Thursday, November 5, 2009

Project Week: SaltSpring Island!

Imagine a week where you can go on adventures with some of your closest friends from around the world. A week where you are free to accomplish something you've always dreamed of: something challenging, unique, beautiful. Imagine the opportunity to hike in the glaciers or camp in the wild. Imagine meeting new people and learning about communities in a hands-on way. There was no need to imagine all of this at Pearson College because it was the wonderful reality of Project Week.

In late October Pearson students embarked on journeys they are sure to remember. Most projects are student-led and the options were incredibly diverse, although all fit into a creative, action, or service category. Some examples of what you could do: sail, kayak, hike, camp, read books at a host family's, travel to San Francisco or Vancouver, bike, volunteer, surf...and so much more. I truly believe that Project Week encompasses the ideals of Pearsn College and United World Colleges as it gives students the opportunity to learn from and experience the world in a very unique way. We learned to approach obstacles with an open mind, to work together in groups, to network and build bridges with so many organizations and places.

The project I chose was working with an organization called SOLID (SaltSpring Organization for Life Improvement and Development) on SaltSpring Island. SOLID works with African communities facing HIV/AIDS through a number of grassroots projects (eg. planting fruit trees, supporting education and a girl's shelter, nutrition). So when Project Week rolled around the four of us - Amirah from Malaysia, Levi from France, Hieu from Vietnam, and I - set sail for SaltSpring. We grew really close as the week went on and had a lot of fun together. It was an awesome time filled with many learning opportunities and unique experiences like:

- Our first night we were taken to a local birthday party in a beautiful hemp bale house (basically made of straw) where we enjoyed a fiddle jam session
- We painted, sorted, and nailed crosses for an art project that symbolizes the 8000 people who die of HIV/AIDS every day
- We attended a reception where we met representatives from several NGOs on SaltSpring in a beautiful home overlooking the ocean. All the people were so kind and warm.
- We met with the local global awareness club at the Gulf Islands Secondary School, as well as the "Knit Wits" - a group of elderly ladies who knit for Africa
- We worked at the SOLID exchange, a store that benefits projects in Africa
- We explored the beautiful island - went to a cheese factory (AMAZING goat cheese), a chocolate factor, a mountain, the town, a park...
- We helped to faciliate a Peace Tiles workshop with a local girl guides to make a mural
- We enjoyed Halloween by watching fireworks downtown
- We savoured every delicious meal that Shirely so kindly made for us (at her B&B, On Duck Creek). Shirley and her daughter Meron were so generous to let us stay for free and provided some wonderful food for us. Thank you!!!
- Saw the Olympic torch relay as it passed through SaltSpring
- Met so many lovely people and got to know each other better in a supportive and welcoming environment.

When I look back, Project Week was a phenomenal break where I gained many valuable skills, tools, and contacts. I had time to relax and rejuvenate and SaltSpring was the perfect choice. I'm grateful to Meron, Shirley, and SOLID for agreeing to take in 4 Pearson students and set up things for us to do. Project Week is definitely an idea that every school should put into practice!

All my love,
Emmy

PS: I'll do a general update soon and upload some photos of PW.